CookUnity delivers chef-crafted prepared meals directly to your door through the Instacart Marketplace. When you order from CookUnity on Instacart, CookUnity ships your meals directly to you — there’s no Instacart shopper involved.

How CookUnity orders work

CookUnity orders are different from standard Instacart grocery orders. Here’s what to know:

  • CookUnity fulfills and ships your order through a variety of delivery options — no Instacart shopper picks or delivers it.
  • A $30 order minimum applies to all CookUnity orders.
  • You can place a CookUnity order alongside a regular Instacart grocery order. Tipping isn’t available on CookUnity orders — if you order from multiple stores, tipping applies only to the grocery order(s).
  • All orders will be delivered/dropped off to the address provided at the time of order placement. Please ensure that the delivery address is complete and accurate, including any applicable building, unit, apartment, suite, or other location details.

Delivery and tracking

After you place your order, CookUnity ships and delivers your order using a variety of delivery methods based on your location. Orders may be delivered by a local delivery partner or by a national carrier such as UPS, FedEx, or Veho. Delivery schedules vary depending on the carrier and your delivery address. CookUnity and its delivery partners might contact by phone call or text message using the phone number provided.

Local Delivery Partners

  • Deliveries are available Sunday through Friday and vary by location.
  • Please use the tracking link provided in your order confirmation email.
  • Delivery windows vary by location.

UPS

  • Deliveries are available Monday through Friday, with Saturday and Sunday delivery in select areas.
  • UPS may make up to three delivery attempts at its discretion on regular UPS delivery days. After the final attempt, undeliverable packages will be returned to the sender.
  • For assistance, contact UPS Customer Service at 1-800-742-5877 with your CookUnity order number.

Veho

  • Deliveries are typically available 7 days a week, generally between 9:00 AM and 8:00 PM (delivery times may vary by location).
  • Veho typically makes up to two delivery attempts before returning the package to the sender.
  • For assistance after tracking your order, text Veho Support at 68953 (message and data rates may apply).

FedEx

  • Deliveries are typically available 7 days a week, generally between 9:00 AM and 8:00 PM (delivery times may vary by location).
  • FedEx will make up to three delivery attempts before returning the package to the sender.
  • If a delivery attempt is unsuccessful, the driver will leave a door tag with your tracking (Air Waybill) number and information about the next delivery attempt.
  • You may also contact FedEx Customer Service at 1-800-463-3339 to request a different delivery date or ask FedEx to hold your package for pickup at a FedEx location. FedEx can hold eligible shipments for up to five days.

Tracking your order

To track your order:

  1. Go to your order in the Instacart app or website and select Notifications to find your tracking number.
  2. You will also receive a tracking number in your order confirmation email.
  3. Use your tracking number to monitor the status of your shipment.

Delivery issues

If your order is delayed while being delivered by a local delivery partner, please contact Instacart Customer Service.

If your order is delayed while being delivered by FedEx, UPS, or Veho, please contact the respective carrier directly using your tracking number.

Please note that Instacart and CookUnity do not control the shipping or delivery schedules of FedEx, UPS, or Veho.

Refunds and returns

CookUnity doesn’t accept physical returns, but if your order arrives with a problem, contact support so we can make it right.

If your order arrives with a problem, Instacart offers a refund window for qualifying issues:

  • You have 3 days from the delivery date to report a qualifying issue.
  • Qualifying issues include: missing items, wrong items, and damaged or spoiled products.
  • Contact Instacart support within the refund window to request a refund.
  • Refund requests submitted after the 3-day window are not eligible for a refund but may qualify for an account credit at the discretion of the support team.

Cancellations

CookUnity orders can’t be canceled after checkout. Because CookUnity begins processing your order right away, cancellations aren’t available once your order is placed.

If you have questions about a specific order before it ships, contact Instacart support as soon as possible.

CookUnity meal FAQs

Use these answers for common questions about CookUnity meals, packaging, and freshness:

How do I heat my meal?

Each CookUnity meal includes heating instructions on the meal label. You’ll usually find two options:

  • Chef Instructions — recommended by the chef for the best texture and flavor.
  • Fast Instructions — a quicker option, usually for microwave heating.

Always follow the instructions printed on your specific meal label, since heating times and steps may vary by dish.

How long will the meals stay fresh?

CookUnity meals have a refrigerated shelf life of about 4–7 days. Each meal comes with a “use by” date on the label — that’s the last day the meal should be consumed for optimal freshness and quality.

Can I freeze CookUnity meals?

CookUnity meals are crafted fresh without preservatives and are best enjoyed within their stated shelf life. That said, the trays are freezer-safe (paper pulp that doesn’t release toxins when frozen). If you freeze a meal, be aware it may affect the texture and flavor of certain ingredients like dairy, eggs, or leafy greens. Thaw the meal before heating it according to the label instructions.

What are the portion sizes?

Most CookUnity meals are designed to serve one person. Some meals are meant to serve multiple people — those are clearly indicated on the menu. Nutrition facts on each label are aligned with the serving size. Certain meals, like protein-only options, offer flexibility to enjoy solo or share.

What happens if a meal is out of stock?

Replacements only happen when a meal you selected is no longer available due to an unexpected inventory issue — for example, limited ingredients, supplier delays, or a last-minute production change. If a replacement is needed, CookUnity’s team takes care in selecting a similar meal or popular option. These changes are rare.

How can I learn more about CookUnity chefs?

Scan the QR code found on your meal labels. This takes you directly to the chef’s page, where you can explore their full menu and learn more about them.

How do I dispose of or recycle the packaging?

Here’s a quick guide by packaging type:

  • Box: Recycle with cardboard and paper products.
  • Liners: Made of 90% paper and cornstarch — recycle in your home recycling bin alongside the cardboard box.
  • Ice packs: Cut open, discard the gel in the trash (not down the drain), and recycle the outer material if your local program accepts it.
  • Meal trays: Made of bagasse (sugar cane fiber) laminated in PET film. Clean the tray, remove the inner film, and recycle the pulp tray with paper and cardboard. Discard the films per your local guidelines.
  • Meal sleeves: 100% recyclable with paper and cardboard.
  • Black lid containers: Made of polypropylene (PP), widely accepted in curbside recycling. Rinse before recycling.
  • Sauce containers: Cup is PP, lid is PET. Rinse and recycle if your local program accepts those plastics.
  • Insulated tote bag: Made of layered materials that aren’t recyclable through standard programs. Consider reusing it for grocery runs, picnics, or storage. If you’re in the Los Angeles area, you can donate clean, undamaged medium or small bags to partner Project Ropa at donate@projectropa.org.

Questions or concerns

For help with a CookUnity order, contact Instacart support through the app or website.